Grafitti, Valencia (photographer: Anne-Marie Melster)

Maybe the weather Gods had forgotten us, but not so the Valencians! Despite the rain and low temperatures, 65 photography lovers participated in the first RECREATURA photomarathon “Making waves across the Mediterranean‚Äú on Saturday, 5 September 2009. The participants were only given six hours to take pictures under the motto “Moments of peace ‚Äì for an intercultural co-existence‚Äú.

A jury composed of photography and Mediterranean experts including José Manuel Gironés, Director of the UNESCO Centre in Valencia; Willy Domeque, photographer and illumination expert; Mercedes Acitores, expert on Mediterranean issues, as well as Mateo Gamón, photographer, selected the four winners which were announced during an official prize ceremony at the Institut Francais on 21 September 2009 (International Day of Peace).

The 21 best photos had been exhibited at the Institut Francais Valencia between 14 and 21 September. During this week, visitors had also been given the opportunity to vote for their favourite photo to receive the an “audience award”.

RECREATURA is currently in contact with other partner organisations for a follow-up exhibition. In addition, the photos will be further diffused online during an Online Arts Festival organised by our partner organisation EMYAN (Euro-Med Young Artists Network) between 20 and 30 October 2009.

The photomarathon was part of the regional initiative Restore trust, rebuild bridges launched by the Anna-Lindh-Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. They were generated with the financial support of the Anna-Lindh-Foundation.

Links:
Impressions from the photomarathon
Finalists
Other photos from the Marathon
Impressions from the prize ceremony